Adhys Izquierdo, Vice-President and Director of Marketing of ADX Technologies, addressed the approximately 300 members in attendance at the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce breakfast this morning. Her presentation dealt with the affordable housing shortage in South Florida and its impact on employers and employees alike. She offered a solution to consider in overcoming this limitation.

She discussed how the current real estate market can really put a damper on a growing business’ plans for expansion. Implementing a teleworker solution was introduced as an alternative that can help small businesses overcome these limitations. Numerous large companies were cited that have successfully implemented teleworker solutions. The ability to scale this technology so the average small to medium sized company can also take advantage of the benefits of the virtual office were also discussed.

The benefits to be gained by employers range from savings in real estate to the ability to attract or retain talented workers. Employees benefit from eliminating the commute to obtaining a better balance in their work and personal lives.

By 2009, one-quarter of the world's workforce, or 850 million people, will use remote access and mobile technology to work on the go or at home, according to research firm IDC. Will local small businesses be ready for the new challenges? Will they be ready to take advantage of the benefits?